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CASA Volunteers
Leo Norton

August Volunteer of the Month, Leo Norton, is praised for the integrity and intensity of his work with the children on his cases. 

“Leo is extremely conscientious and works his cases very methodically and thoroughly,” said Joanna Halteman, his CASA casework supervisor.  “I know I can always count on him to find very pertinent information.”

He is also one of the most interactive volunteers, playing, flying kites and doing almost any activity his children wish.  He even taught a 16-year-old to drive! 

“I never met a kid I didn’t like,” he says. 

Leo was a CASA when he lived in Maryland and has a degree in psychology and law.  He worked for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the US GAO of Special Investigations and is now a retired attorney. 

“When I moved to Texas, I decided to step away from CASA for a while, but God was pushing me in that direction.  It was really for the kids,” he said, and joined CASA of Collin County in 2004.

He has closed six cases and is currently working on three.  Many of the children from earlier cases have stayed in touch with him.  He had had three adoptions with another to be finalized this fall.

“My most memorable case,” he responds to the question, “was the first one I had as a CASA in Texas.  It involved two brothers, 7 and 12.  Mom was bi-polar and had drug and a lot of other problems and ended up in prison.”

Leo describes the older boy as troubled and unable to adapt in foster homes.  He wanted to be returned to his mother, which is common in many children, who are most comfortable in the only lifestyles they have ever known.   He remains in a rehabilitation placement.

“Children will always love their mothers, no matter what happens,” the volunteer observed.

The younger child, however, lives with relatives out of state and is happy and doing well.  “I still hear from him, and he even gave me his toy duck before he moved,” Leo says.

“Most cases are very happy,” he reflects. “It’s hard to dislike the moms even when you can see their flaws.”

His experience gives him great insight into the legal aspects of the cases, Joanna said.

“He is very professional and patient and brings a calming influence to the children and everyone else involved.”


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